Stephen Cleobury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Stephen Cleobury
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Cleobury in 2009
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| Born |
Stephen John Cleobury
31 December 1948 Bromley, England
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| Died | 22 November 2019 (aged 70) York, England
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| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | St John's College, Cambridge (organ scholar) |
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| Spouse(s) |
Penny Holloway
(divorced)Emma Disley
(m. 2004) |
| Children | 4 |
| Parent(s) | John Cleobury Brenda Randall |
| Relatives | Nicholas Cleobury (brother) |
Sir Stephen John Cleobury (born 31 December 1948 – died 22 November 2019) was a famous English organist and music director. He was best known for leading the Choir of King's College, Cambridge for many years, from 1982 to 2019. He also worked with the BBC Singers.
During his time at King's College, he made the choir even more famous. They performed live on the BBC every Christmas Eve since 1928. Stephen Cleobury helped them become known worldwide through tours and recordings. In 1984, he started a tradition of asking a composer to write a new Christmas carol each year. He received many awards, including being made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2009. In 2019, he was made a knight for his amazing work in choral music.
Contents
Stephen Cleobury's Life
Early Years and Musical Start
Stephen John Cleobury was born in Bromley, Kent, England. His parents were John F. Cleobury and Brenda J. Randall. He began his musical journey as a young singer, called a chorister, at Worcester Cathedral. There, he learned from talented musicians like Douglas Guest and Christopher Robinson.
Later, he became an organ scholar at St John's College, Cambridge. This meant he studied music and played the organ there. After that, he was a sub-organist at Westminster Abbey. In 1979, he became the first Anglican (Church of England) music director at the Catholic Westminster Cathedral. Before this, in the 1970s, he taught music at St Matthew's Church, Northampton and Northampton Grammar School.
Leading the King's College Choir
In 1982, Stephen Cleobury became the Director of Music for the famous Choir of King's College, Cambridge. He also taught music at the college. He led the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at the King's College Chapel. This special Christmas Eve service started in 1918 and has been broadcast live by the BBC since 1928.
One of Stephen Cleobury's most important ideas was to add new, modern carols to the traditional ones. Starting in 1984, he asked famous composers like Thomas Adès and John Tavener to write new pieces. One piece, The Gleam by Harrison Birtwistle, even had the singers stamping their feet and shouting! These new songs helped spread modern choral music to many people.
Cleobury also made sure the choristers had singing lessons. He added more songs in Latin and music by composers like Kodály and Arvo Pärt. He started new music events at King's, like the Festival of Easter and a concert series called Concerts at King's. The choir even started its own record label in 2012 to release their music.
He also conducted the Cambridge University Musical Society (CUMS) from 1983 to 2009. With them, he made many recordings. His last big project at King's was performing Bach's St Matthew Passion in 2019. He retired on 30 September 2019. Daniel Hyde took over his role at King's College.
Music Beyond Cambridge
Stephen Cleobury was also important in other music groups. He was president of the Royal College of Organists from 1990 to 1992. He was the main conductor of the BBC Singers from 1995 to 2007. After that, he became their conductor laureate, which means he was still honored and worked with them.
With the BBC Singers, he led special concerts with themes. For example, he did concerts about Russian music, creation songs, and music for Remembrance Day. One concert in 2017 included a new piece called The Scream and older, well-known songs. He also visited the Louisiana State University School of Music in the United States.
Personal Life
Stephen Cleobury came from a musical family. His brother, Nicholas, is also a conductor. His sister is a musician and teacher, and his cousin is a composer. Stephen Cleobury lived with his second wife, Emma, whom he married in 2004. They had two daughters. He also had two daughters from his first marriage.
He passed away from cancer in York on 22 November 2019. This day is special because it is the feast day of Saint Cecilia, who is the patron saint of musicians.
Awards and Honours
Stephen Cleobury received many important awards for his contributions to music:
- In 2001, he was given an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Anglia Ruskin University.
- In 2008, he became an Honorary Fellow of the Royal School of Church Music.
- He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2009.
- In 2019, he was made a knight for his services to choral music.
Images for kids
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Cleobury in 2009
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The choir stalls and large organ inside King's College Chapel, where the choir performs.
